Boris and Zhenya are so keen to complete their divorce and start life anew that they’re oblivious to how their constant arguments affect shy, lonely, 12-year-old Alyosha. One day he’s no longer to be found, and they’re expected to work with police and a volunteer group that searches for missing children. But they’re ill-equipped to deal with such a time-consuming catastrophe. Working with regular writing partner Oleg Negin, Zvyagintsev expertly balances suspense, vivid characterisation and sardonic social commentary, while his sensitivity to expressive sound and eloquent images remains undiminished. Frighteningly effective.